The narrative centers on the colorful, chaotic life of a Texan grandmother who serves as the personification of the excesses and social shifts of the 1920s. Through a collection of memoirs, letters, and anecdotes provided by her inner circle of friends, lovers, and gigolos, the authors reconstruct the life of a woman who navigated the era with audacity. The story unfolds as a fragmented, epistolary-style biography that captures the spirit of the decade through the lens of those who witnessed her most scandalous moments. The narrative framework relies on the subjective, often biased perspectives of the characters to build a portrait of a woman who defied the conventions of her time.

Readers and critics often note the sharp, satirical wit employed by the authors to dissect the social landscape of the 1920s. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the scrapbook format in creating a multi-faceted, albeit subjective, portrait of the protagonist. Many highlight the balance between the humorous tone and the underlying commentary on the era's moral shifts. The work is recognized for its ability to capture the atmosphere of the decade without relying on traditional linear storytelling methods. Readers appreciate the stylistic choices that emphasize the performative nature of the characters' lives.